logo
Indian shares set to open higher on trade optimism, RBI policy support

Indian shares set to open higher on trade optimism, RBI policy support

Mint5 hours ago

June 10 (Reuters) - India's benchmark indexes are poised to open higher on Tuesday, buoyed by optimism around U.S.-China trade talks and domestic policy support.
The Gift Nifty futures were trading at 25,247 as of 7:59 a.m. IST, indicating that the Nifty 50 will open above Monday's close of 25,103.20.
The benchmark has risen 2.3% in four sessions and logged its highest close for 2025 on Monday.
"Markets are continuing their upward momentum, buoyed by supportive domestic monetary policy and favourable global cues," Bajaj Broking Research analysts said in a note.
Other Asian markets opened higher, with the MSCI Asia ex-Japan index gaining 0.5%.
Wall Street equities closed mostly higher overnight and the U.S. dollar retreated as U.S.-China talks began in London, aimed at mending a trade dispute that has rattled financial markets for much of the year.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he was getting good reports on progress in trade negotiations.
Expectations of cooling global trade tensions and bumper monetary policy support from the Reserve Bank of India have aided a rally, two analysts said.
This was reflected in the market as both foreign portfolio investors (FPI) and domestic institutional investors (DII) remained net buyers of Indian shares on Monday, with net inflows of 19.93 billion rupees ($232.7 million) and 35.04 billion rupees, respectively.
** ITD Cementation secures a new contract worth 8.93 billion rupees
** Jana Small Finance Bank submits application at the Reserve Bank of India seeking approval for transition to universal bank from small finance bank
** Zee Entertainment enters into a strategic partnership with Content Start-up Bullet to launch India's first micro-drama application
($1 = 85.6460 Indian rupees) (Reporting by Bharath Rajeswaran in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonia Cheema)

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Flavor First: How India's Bold New Palate Is Shaping the Next Generation of Food Brands
Flavor First: How India's Bold New Palate Is Shaping the Next Generation of Food Brands

News18

time4 minutes ago

  • News18

Flavor First: How India's Bold New Palate Is Shaping the Next Generation of Food Brands

India's new generation of food lovers is driving a bold, global shift in flavor, health, and innovation across the culinary landscape. From fiery peri-peri sauces to cloud-soft tiramisu, India's evolving culinary appetite is reshaping the contours of food entrepreneurship. A younger, more globally exposed generation of consumers is not only demanding more from what's on their plate but also from the brands that bring those experiences to life. Driven by a preference for bold flavors, health-forward ingredients, and global influences, Indian food brands are undergoing a transformation like never before. And at the heart of this evolution lies one defining principle: Flavor First. 'India's food scene is going through a revolutionary transformation," says Griffith David, Founder & CEO, Habanero Foods. 'Traditionally renowned for its complex, rich, and spicy flavors, today's next generation of Indian consumers is embracing even bolder, more varied tastes." Nowhere is this more visible than in the rise of contemporary condiments—flavor-forward dips, sauces, and chutneys that marry classic Indian spices with global twists. Tamarind chutneys with a smoky edge, garlicky aiolis tinged with desi masala, and peri-peri sauces that have made their way from Portuguese grills to Indian lunch tables—these products are emblematic of the modern Indian pantry. advetisement Importantly, these products aren't just about taste. 'With convenience at the forefront of today's hectic lifestyles, Indian dips and sauces are evolving to include low-fat, preservative-free, and plant-based versions," adds David. 'Consumers seek not only taste but also alternatives that suit their increasingly health-conscious lifestyles." Sweet Innovation: Desserts Get a Global Makeover 'In India, desserts have moved far beyond being just the sweet end to a meal; they've become a canvas for creativity, expression, and global discovery," shares Himanshu Chawla, co-founder, Bakingo. Desserts like Tres Leches, Tiramisu, and Basque Cheesecake are no longer niche in the Indian market, they're front-runners, even in Tier 2 cities. 'The rise of indulgent yet aesthetic formats like Dream Cakes reflects how Indian consumers are engaging with desserts more deeply they are seeking experiences that delight the senses and spark excitement," notes Chawla. For Bakingo, innovation and reliability go hand-in-hand. 'It's not just about following trends; it's about adapting to what excites Indian dessert lovers: layered textures, lighter bakes, international appeal, and always, uncompromised quality," he explains. According to Chawla, future-ready food brands must balance authenticity with invention, delivering global sophistication with local soul. Coffee Shops as Culture Hubs: The Barista Evolution India's cafés are no longer just about grabbing a cappuccino, they are becoming dynamic cultural spaces that blend wellness, indulgence, and community. Rajat Agarwal, CEO, Barista Coffee, believes today's café experience is about much more than caffeine. 'One of the clearest shifts we've seen? People want to enjoy their coffee and also take care of their health," says Agarwal. This consumer insight led to the launch of Barista's Zero Sugar Coffee range—offering all the flavor of their premium blends, without added sugar. But the evolution doesn't stop there. 'On the other end, there's playfulness," Agarwal adds, referencing Bubble Delight, Barista's take on the Boba beverage trend. 'It's fun, interactive, and surprisingly comforting. Our younger guests especially love it." Barista has also teamed up with Twiddles, cricket legend Yuvraj Singh's clean snacking brand, offering functional snacks like protein bars and power bytes alongside their beverages. 'The modern Indian café is no longer just a caffeine pit stop—it's a social space that brings together wellness, flavor, fun, and culture," says Agarwal. 'In this bold new India, coffee is just the beginning." Advertisement The Culinary Future: Health, Global Trends & Conscious Consumption According to Chef Dheeraj Mathur, Cluster Executive Chef at Radisson Blu, Kaushambi, the transformation of India's culinary landscape is as much about experience as it is about flavor. 'With rising disposable incomes, increased health awareness, and exposure to international cuisines, today's Indian consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z are driving demand for premium, high-quality, and artisanal food products," says Mathur. This new consciousness extends to every aspect of food creation—from fermentation and sous-vide cooking to transparent sourcing, sustainability, and digital engagement. 'Health-forward trends like superfoods, cold-pressed oils, and vegan alternatives are now central to many menus," notes Mathur. 'Storytelling, flavor innovation, and ethical practices are no longer optional—they're essential to success." A Flavorful Future Led by Young Palates India's next generation of food consumers is bold, curious, and uncompromising. They are seeking out flavors that are adventurous yet authentic, and food experiences that resonate with both their taste buds and their values. advetisement top videos View All From sauce jars in kitchen cupboards to intricately crafted cakes, and from café counters to five-star menus, food brands across India are rapidly adapting to meet these expectations. The common thread? A relentless pursuit of flavor, supported by innovation, health consciousness, and storytelling. As these voices from the industry make clear, the future of Indian food is not only global and health-conscious, it's thrillingly flavorful. And this time, flavor isn't just an ingredient. It's the identity. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 10, 2025, 12:40 IST News lifestyle » food Flavor First: How India's Bold New Palate Is Shaping the Next Generation of Food Brands

Rupee stuck in neutral as Asia's currencies race ahead on weak dollar
Rupee stuck in neutral as Asia's currencies race ahead on weak dollar

India Today

time8 minutes ago

  • India Today

Rupee stuck in neutral as Asia's currencies race ahead on weak dollar

As most Asian currencies ride the wave of a weakening US dollar, the Indian rupee could miss the rally, reported news agency Reuters, quoting analysts, who said the currency could be held back by a structural imbalance in India's external the Singapore dollar, Korean won, and Taiwanese dollar have jumped between 6% and 9.5% so far this year, the rupee has barely at Barclays, Jefferies, and ANZ attribute this underperformance to one key metric—the Net International Investment Position (NIIP)—the difference between a country's overseas assets and its external liabilities. As of December 2024, India's NIIP stood at a negative $350 billion, meaning the country owes significantly more to the world than it owns in foreign assets. In contrast, several other Asian economies enjoy positive NIIP balances, often as a result of years of trade surpluses and global Kotecha, head of FX and EM macro strategy for Asia at Barclays, told Reuters that a lack of positive NIIP "leaves the rupee trailing its regional peers".Countries like Taiwan, South Korea, China, and Hong Kong hold net international surpluses, enabling their currencies to rise when the dollar weakens. That's because investors tend to repatriate capital or hedge against falling dollar-denominated assets—moves that boost local and Indonesia, however, are among the region's least liquid in terms of net international assets, Barclays Bechtel, head of global FX at Jefferies, told the news agency that this doesn't spell doom for the rupee, but it does explain why it may lag. 'It's not like a very negative story. It's just more of a lagging story,' he the US dollar continues to soften—driven partly by global hedging activity, as noted in the Federal Reserve's May meeting minutes—Asia's external surpluses are coming into sharper focus. That's putting the spotlight on structural disparities in foreign asset holdings, especially for India.'Overseas capital repatriation and increased FX hedging could keep lifting Asian currencies,' analysts at Fitch unit BMI wrote in a recent note, pointing to the sharp appreciation in the Taiwanese dollar as a case in India can narrow its external liabilities or boost foreign asset accumulation, the rupee may continue to sit out the region's currency Watch

Can debt-ridden Pakistan afford to hike its defence budget?
Can debt-ridden Pakistan afford to hike its defence budget?

First Post

time13 minutes ago

  • First Post

Can debt-ridden Pakistan afford to hike its defence budget?

Pakistan is expected to raise its defence budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The country's Planning Minister, Ahsan Iqbal, confirmed the move over the weekend, citing tensions with India as the reason. This comes as Islamabad's total public debt has reached a staggering PKR 76 trillion (around $269 billion), as per its economic survey 2024-25. However, the country's defence spending remains dwarfed by India's read more Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan Asim Munir holds a microphone during his visit at the Tilla Field Firing Ranges (TFFR) to witness the Exercise Hammer Strike, a high-intensity field training exercise conducted by the Pakistan Army's Mangla Strike Corps, in Mangla, Pakistan May 1, 2025. Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) via Reuters Pakistan is increasing its defence budget amid recent tensions with India. The country's Planning Minister, Ahsan Iqbal, said on the weekend that the government will hike its defence budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The move comes even as Pakistan remains debt-ridden and the country faces economic instability and high inflation. As Pakistan increases its defence budget, we take a look at how it compares with India's. Pakistan to raise defence budget Pakistan's Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal confirmed on Saturday (June 7) that the government will increase the defence budget. 'It is our national duty to provide the armed forces with whatever they need in this budget to bolster their capacity and defend our country in the future. It has been proven that we have a dangerous neighbour (India) who attacked us in the night, but we gave them a befitting response,' he was quoted as saying by Pakistan's Dawn. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iqbal said the country must 'remain ready to respond if they attack again'. The likely step comes amid Pakistan's economic woes. The country's economic survey 2024-25 revealed that Islamabad paid $7.8 billion in external debt service payments in the previous financial year. A boy plays with a soccer ball next to a smouldering pile of rubbish, ahead of the World Environment Day, in Karachi, Pakistan, June 4, 2025. Reuters The country is spending more than 1.9 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP) on debt service payments, according to the survey. Pakistan's total public debt has reached a staggering PKR 76 trillion (around $269 billion), almost double since 2020-21. Of this, Islamabad owes $87.4 billion to other countries and multilateral agencies. Pakistan has to pay China $15 billion – the largest amount among bilateral lenders. This is followed by Japan at $3 billion and France at over $1 billion. The Shehbaz Sharif government's decision to hike the military budget comes amid significant damage to Pakistani airbases and air defence systems in the strikes by India under Operation Sindoor in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan's military budget Pakistan will unveil its annual budget for the coming fiscal year today (June 10), reported to be a PKR 17.6 trillion budget. According to Reuters, analysts predict a rise of about 20 per cent in the country's defence budget. Pakistan had increased its defence budget by 16.4 per cent last year. Pakistan allocated PKR 2.1 trillion for defence in the FY 2024-25, including $2 billion for equipment and other assets. The country's military expenditure stood at $10.2 billion for 2024-25, data by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) revealed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD To counter India's technologically advanced forces, Islamabad has focused its defence spending on maintaining nuclear capabilities and expanding its missile systems. Pakistan has an edge over India only in mobile rocket systems, 600 over New Delhi's 264, as per an Economic Times (ET) report. India, Pak comparison India has a bigger military than Pakistan and notably higher defence spending. For the 2025-26 fiscal year, India set aside $78.7 billion for defence spending, a 9.5 per cent rise from the previous year. India's military spending for 2024-25 was at $86.1 billion, as per SIPRI data. This makes the country the fifth-largest military spender in the world. The world's most populated country's defence budget has grown in the past decade. In 2013, India's military spending was at $41 billion. This nearly doubled to $80 billion by 2024, as per data from Macrotrends. India is seeking to enhance its defence capabilities by expanding the domestic production of weapon systems to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. It has also enhanced its air power by making key purchases such as Rafale fighter jets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When it comes to manpower, India has 14.5 lakh active military personnel, as compared to its rival neighbour's 654,000. India boasts 730 combat-ready aircraft, while Pakistan has 452 military aircraft. India's military has 4,201 tanks and roughly 149,000 armoured vehicles, with Pakistan possessing only 2,627 tanks and 17,500 armoured units. India's naval power is also superior to Pakistan's. The Indian Navy operates 293 vessels, including two aircraft carriers, 18 submarines, and 13 destroyers. Pakistan, on the other hand, has 121 vessels but does not have aircraft carriers or destroyers. With inputs from agencies

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store